The minimum wage in Australia, established at $740.80 per week or $19.49 per hour as of May 30, 2019, serves as the lowest wage an employee can be paid. Variations exist based on job type, age, and work capacity, with specific rates for juniors, apprentices, and employees with disabilities. Different states may have slightly different minimum wage rates, and factors like employment category and experience can also impact wage rates.

1. Minimum Wage in Australia
A Quick Definition

2. Minimum Wage in Australia
The minimum wage means the absolute lowest wage paid to an
employee. The benchmark was set on May 30, 2019 which
ought to be adhered to by every business. As per latest figures,
the minimal weekly wage in Australia is $740.80 equating to
$19.49 per hour.
• Minimum wage varies from job types, but these all are
stemmed out from one core minimum wage.
• As per Fair Work Commission, year on year the 1 July is set
for minimum wage changes.

3. Australian Minimum Wage Rates Since 2014
Commencement Date Per hour Per 38 hour week
1 July 2014 $16.87 $640.90
1 July 2015 $17.29 $656.90
1 July 2016 $17.70 $672.70
1 July 2017 $18.29 $694.90
1 July 2018 $18.93 $719.20
1 July 2019 $19.49 $740.80

4. Different Types of Minimum Wages
The minimum wage varies in accordance with the
employment type, age or work capacity.
• Junior pay rates
• Apprentice and trainee pay rates
• Employees with disability pay rates

5. Minimum Wage for Juniors
The employee under the age of 21 is known as junior
employee. Wages are age determinant for these employees,
which is ascertained as a certain percentage of the national
minimum wage.
Age Percentage Hourly rate
Under 16 36.80% $7.17
16 47.30% $9.22
17 57.80% $11.27
18 68.30% $13.31
19 82.50% $16.08
20 97.70% $19.05

6. Minimum Wage for Apprentices
There is a more structured pay for apprentices having
entitlements clearly determined and mentioned in relevant
award and registered agreement . It includes sick leave, annual
leave and allocated breaks.
The pay rate differs a little across industries, which are depend
on work, risk involved and age of the apprentice.
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7. Do Different States Have Different
Minimum Wages
The chunk of Australian states fall under the Fair Work Act
2009 having a minimum hourly pay as $19.49. However, when
it comes to Western Australia, all the businesses that are non-
constitutional corporation, have to pay under Western
Australian system, wherein the minimum wage is currently
$19.66 per hour.

8. Do Employment Categories and Employee
Experience Impact Wage Rates
Yes it does, but under the following conditions:
• The implied award or agreement
• Different employment class, i.e.: casual employees or full-time
employees
• Work experience, i.e.: apprentices or trainees, years of
experience within an industry
• Employees’ jobs and responsibilities, i.e.: supervisor or
manager level
• Working hours duration, i.e.: penalty rates, overtime, and
allowances

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